The No-Razor-Burn Guide to Shaving Your Bikini Line

The article includes Dr. Patel's expert commentary on how to eliminate irritation when shaving sensitive areas.

Shaving your bikini line isn't hard. Shaving your bikini line without any irritation, razor burn, or post-shave bumps is near impossible. The hair-removal method is simple, cheap, and quick—which is why it's so popular—but it also presents the most annoying side effects.

Improving your technique can make the whole experience a lot less irritating, literally and figuratively. That's what we learned after following the tips of these skincare pros, below. Read on for our comprehensive no-razor-burn guide to shaving your bikini line.

Change Your Razor

Yes, that five-blade razor is actually worth it. "The razor should be sharp and preferably more than one blade, that makes the chances of getting a smooth shave with the least amount of passes better," Dr. Purvisha Patel, a Memphis-based dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, says. You should also make sure it's a clean razor free of rust or mildew (those need to be tossed immediately). If the blade tugs at your skin instead of gliding smoothly over the surface, it's a sign it needs to be replaced. We love the Venus Swirl Razor ($9; target.com) because it features a flexiball head that helps the blades maneuver hard-to-reach areas.